I was wondering if anyone here owns a Jody Samson Katana. In my opinion i feel that he is probably one of the greatest designers and swordsmiths ever! If you do not know his work a fine example is his swords in the movie conan or visit. www.jodysamson.comIf someone owns one can you please let me know your opinion on his katana's?

Do a search for Jody Samson Katana over at Swordforum. http://www.swordforum.com There's a lot of reviews over there already. I don't know much about him, but I can honestly say I've never seen his name come up in the JSA forums. Don't know how traditional the blades are. I can't get to the website at the moment.

_________________________
Iaido -
Breaking down bad habits,
and building new ones.

Mr. Samson may well be an incredible swordsmith. I don't do western sword arts, so I can't say anything about the western type swords. But the "katana" that he put up? No, sorry. Not only are they terribly non-traditional, they don't even LOOK like katana. The shinogi curves down to meet the edge near the tsuba? No, no, no.

These are not katana or wakizashi. These are a smith's interpretation of the swords, modified as he saw fit. You would never, ever find these in a traditional dojo, no matter how great the blade is or how solid the construction.

I know that these are far from a traditional katana! What I am looking for is how the weight and the distribution of balance are. I have seen and held many of his other swords and they are a marvel of all swords. Traditional? NO! Incredible? YES. The reason I like his interpitation of the Katana is because it is different. I love tradition as much as the next person. But I also like innovative and creative.

No disrespect V34, but there is, in my opinion, little more innovative than a traditional katana. Whole process and knowledge it took to arrive at the overall form of the katana was cutting edge (pardon the pun) technology. Every line, every bend, have a purpose and meaning, that when combined create a finely honed weapon, idealy suited to its task. To change things radically for aesthetic purposes lessens the 'worth' of the sword despite the quality of the craftsmanship IMO. You can build a beautiful aeroplane, yet it will get no respect if it flies poorly.

Ok now I can see the pictures. Those are not katana in any sense of the word. They are katana like objects perhaps, but they deviate from the norm so far as to not be the same thing anymore. The shape of the blades is all wrong. The tsuka are dead wrong. The shape of the tip is wierd. The curve looks strange and the hi is wide and oddly shaped. There is no habaki at all, but judging from the pictures there is no saya. Nor is there a fuchi. The tsuba is far too thin to be of much use.

I'm sure these are nice blades. I'd bet money they cut well, but the short of it is that they are not really katana. As was mentioned above, the single biggest problem with them practically speaking is that they would not be allowed in a serious JSA dojo. If you just want an art sword from a name smith, go for it. If you're already a fan of the smith, you know what you're getting into. If you are looking for a practical weapon for use in training, this is not the sword for you.

_________________________
Iaido -
Breaking down bad habits,
and building new ones.

Wo, WO, WO guys simmer down. I know all the parts of a Katana. I know what talent and hard work it takes to make one. And if you take in all the pieces to make a superior Katana this is not one. This is a modern rendition or another persons vision on his style of a Katana SHAPE sword.Thats what I'll call it if you guys want. Geeze. I am well aware of the true meaning of a katana! They are sacred fro crying out loud! I am sorry if you guys found it disrespectful but I in no way meant it. I know what the traditional cross section of a katana is. I know what a habaki, tsuba, tsuka, fuchi, kashira ect. is. This sword doesn't have these. I was just saying I love his talent and his innovative designs. All his swords are functional and made with all the best and hand made fittings. They may not be folded steel swords but the are a nice 1060 or 1075 cs steel. anyways just wondering if anyone owned one?

You did ask for opinions. You got some. I'm sure they weren't what you wanted to hear, but they were valid. When appraised as katana, which is what they purport to be, they fall short in several key areas. The lack of a habaki is especially problematic, as without one they will not stay in a saya. You gotta understand this forum is full of martial artists who use these things on a regular basis. If you ask us what we think, you're gonna get answers with that in mind.

_________________________
Iaido -
Breaking down bad habits,
and building new ones.

I know. I practice martial arts also. O.k. I agree with you guys. It does not have anything that a traditional katana is surposed to have. So it is not a katana. Does anyone own a Jody Samson sword? I have a few Katana's so I know just as well as you guys. Sorry to upset you all. I was just asking.